Rafa

What makes a champion? What does it take to be the best in the world at your

sport? Rafael Nadal has the answers. In his memoir, written with award-winning

journalist John Carlin, he reveals the secrets of his game and shares the

inspiring personal story behind his success. It begins in Mallorca, where the

tight-knit Nadal family has lived for generations.

Coached by his uncle Toni from the age of four and taught humility and respect

by his parents, Nadal has managed the uncommon feat of becoming an acclaimed

global celebrity while remaining a gracious, hardworking role model for people

in all walks of life. Now he takes us behind the scenes, from winning the

Wimbledon 2008 final-described by John McEnroe as "the greatest game of

tennis" he had ever seen-to the family problems that brought him low in 2009

and the numerous injuries that have threatened his career. With candor and

intelligence, Nadal brings readers on his dramatic and triumphant journey,

never losing sight of the prize he values above all others: the unity and love

of his family.

From RAFA: "During a match, you are in a permanent battle to fight back your

everyday vulnerabilities, bottle up your human feelings. The more bottled up

they are, the greater your chances of winning, so long as you've trained as

hard as you play and the gap in talent is not too wide between you and your

rival. The gap in talent with Federer existed, but it was not impossibly wide.

It was narrow enough, even on his favorite surface in the tournament he played

best, for me to know that if I silenced the doubts and fears, and exaggerated

hopes, inside my head better than he did, I could beat him. You have to cage

yourself in protective armor, turn yourself into a bloodless warrior. It's a

kind of self-hypnosis, a game you play, with deadly seriousness, to disguise

your own weaknesses from yourself, as well as from your rival."